Prepare for a stormy week as a cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is set to intensify into a significant storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds across several coastal states.
Currently located in the north Andaman Sea, this cyclonic circulation is expected to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. This system will then move west-northwest, becoming a depression by October 22 and further intensifying into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal.
The IMD predicts that the storm will maintain its northwestward trajectory, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by the morning of October 24. This path places coastal areas of these states directly in the storm’s line of impact.
Heavy Rainfall Expected for Coastal Regions
The IMD has already issued warnings for heavy rainfall in South Interior Karnataka and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Additional heavy rainfall is anticipated in Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal & North Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and Andhra Pradesh.
Odisha is particularly vulnerable, expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 23. IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has cautioned that some coastal areas in Odisha may experience rainfall exceeding 20 cm on October 24-25, with certain locations potentially receiving between 20-30 cm, and others more than 30 cm.
Warnings for Strong Winds and Sea Conditions
The IMD has issued strong wind warnings for several regions. Squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, is forecasted over the Andaman Sea until October 21. The east-central Bay of Bengal will see squally winds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h on October 21, increasing to 55-65 km/h with gusts up to 75 km/h by the evening of October 22.
From the evening of October 23 until the morning of October 24, wind speeds are expected to reach dangerous levels of 70-90 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h. Similar strong winds are predicted in adjoining areas of the west-central Bay of Bengal on October 23-24. The North Bay of Bengal will also experience squally winds beginning October 23, escalating to gale-force winds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h from the evening of October 24 to the morning of October 25.
Advisory for Fishermen
Due to the anticipated strong winds and rough sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to return to shore by October 21. The agency emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness for potential impacts from the approaching storm.
Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued
An orange alert has been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, expecting heavy rainfall on October 20. Other states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and Konkan, are under a yellow alert for rainfall.
The development of this cyclonic storm highlights the importance of staying informed about weather updates. It’s crucial to follow local authorities’ advice and prepare for possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds.